Ian Wright’s Departure: Meet the Two Pundits Set to Replace Him on Match of the Day
The BBC has announced the two pundits who will be joining the Match of the Day team this season, following Ian Wright’s departure at the end of the 2023-2024 season. Theo Walcott, the former Arsenal winger, and Joe Hart, the ex-Manchester City goalkeeper, are set to bring their expertise and banter to the popular BBC show.
Walcott, who played for Arsenal, Tottenham, and Everton, among others, has been a regular contributor to the BBC’s football coverage in recent years. He’s known for his insightful analysis and humorous takes on the game. Hart, on the other hand, had a distinguished playing career with Manchester City, West Ham, and Burnley, among others. He’s also been a regular pundit on various TV shows, including the BBC’s coverage of the World Cup and the Champions League.
The duo will be joining an experienced team of pundits, including Gary Lineker, Alan Shearer, and Micah Richards, among others. The addition of Walcott and Hart is expected to bring a fresh perspective to the show, and fans are already excited to see what they’ll bring to the table.
In an interview with the Daily Mail, Des Lynam, the former Match of the Day presenter, gave his backing to Micah Richards, who’s been a regular on the show in recent years. Lynam praised Richards’ sense of humor and knowledge of the game, saying: "I think it’s Micah Richards isn’t it? He’s got a sense of humor and he knows football. Obviously, he’s played for England and Manchester City, though he didn’t make a huge mark on me playing for either. I think he needs to calm down a little, but his opinions are quite solid, though I don’t think anybody can quite match Wrighty."
The departure of Ian Wright has left a void in the Match of the Day lineup, but with the addition of Walcott and Hart, fans can expect more excitement and debate on the show. Follow us on all social media platforms for more updates on the world of football!